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Archaeological site · Albuquerque, New Mexico
Petroglyph National Monument
A national monument on Albuquerque’s western edge with thousands of petroglyphs on dark volcanic rock, made by Pueblo peoples and Spanish settlers, along short trails.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Petroglyph National Monument
Petroglyph National Monument protects an escarpment of volcanic rock about 27 km long on Albuquerque’s west edge, formed by lava flows from volcanoes that are still visible on the horizon. On the dark rock surfaces, ancestral peoples of the pueblos carved thousands of figures—mostly between 1300 and 1680: people, animals, spirals, masks and stars. There are also carvings made by shepherds and Spanish colonists, such as crosses and cattle brands.
The monument is one of the largest rock art sites in North America, with estimates of more than 20,000 carvings. For today’s pueblos, it is a sacred place, and the figures continue to have religious meaning.
The most visited areas are located in short canyons: Boca Negra Canyon, with short paved trails; Rinconada Canyon, with a sandy trail of about 3.5 km; and Piedras Marcadas, farther north. The visitor center provides maps and information about access to each area.
Do not touch the carvings and stay on the trails: friction and skin oils wear away the rock.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to three hours.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon, when the low light highlights the carvings and the heat diminishes.
How to get there
The visitor center is on Unser Boulevard, on the city’s west edge, about 15 km from downtown. There is no direct public transit to the trails.
Tip
Bring water: the Rinconada and Piedras Marcadas trails have no shade. Check the website for each area’s hours; they have separate parking lots.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Petroglyph National Monument
Where can you see the petroglyphs in Albuquerque?
At Petroglyph National Monument on the city’s west edge, especially in the canyons of Boca Negra, Rinconada and Piedras Marcadas, each with its own trail and parking.
Which trail should you do at Petroglyph National Monument?
Boca Negra Canyon has short paved trails, good for a quick visit. Rinconada Canyon has a sandy trail of about 3.5 km with many carvings.
Who made Albuquerque’s petroglyphs?
Mostly the ancestors of the pueblo peoples, especially between 1300 and 1680. There are also marks left by shepherds and Spanish colonists.